Joe Wilson: “I rise today to thank Lt. Colonel Michael Viers for his selfless sacrifice in helping to save the life of a little girl…”

“I rise today to thank Lt. Colonel Michael Viers for his selfless sacrifice in helping to save the life of a little girl in the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. Ten-year-old Shawna Crawford, an uninsured immigrant child living with her parents in Hardeeville, South Carolina, faced certain death just a few months ago as her kidneys began to fail and her family had no money to pay for the needed operation. Her plight was championed by community leaders Fred Nimmer and David Allgood, along with GSA official Mary Joy Jameson. JoAnn Coefield of the Second Congressional District's Midlands office was able to find the funds through Federal assistance, but Shawna still needed a donor kidney. Fortunately, Colonel Viers, a Marine stationed at the Marine Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina, stepped forward. Michael Viers is a true hero. And just as his fellow troops were overseas risking their lives for freedom, he has risked his life to provide a future for Shawna Crawford. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Colonel Viers. In conclusion, God bless our troops.”